Your Anaesthetic

The type of anaesthetic you receive will depend on the nature, site and duration of the surgery and your health. Not all types of anaesthetic require the presence of an anaesthetist and your surgeon will discuss this with you.

1. General Anaesthesia - You are put into a state of unconsciousness for the whole operation. This involves either giving an injection of anaesthetic drugs or breathing an anaesthetic gas to make you sleep. While you remain unaware of what is happening around you, the anaesthetist monitors your condition closely and constantly adjusts the level of the anaesthetic.

2. Regional Anaesthesia - A nerve block numbs the part of the body where the surgeon operates. This is often used for surgery on the hand, arm, hip or knee. Examples include spinal and epidural
anaesthesia, arm blocks and eye blocks. Local anaesthetic is injected near the major nerve pathways to the part of the body where the operation is located. You can be wide-awake or, if you prefer, the
anaesthetist can give you other drugs to make you relaxed and drowsy.

3. Local Anaesthesia - A local anaesthetic is injected at the site of the surgery to cause numbness. You will be awake. A local anaesthetic is often used for small skin lesions.

4. Monitored Sedation - Your anaesthetist uses a special range of drugs to keep you comfortable and sleepy but able to respond to questions.

Possible side effects and complications

Your anaesthetist will plan the safest anaesthetic for you and is specially trained to deal with any problems that may arise. One of the aims of a modern anaesthetic is a pleasant, pain-free awakening. However, some of the side effects can be unpleasant. Nausea and vomiting occur in about one in 10 patients. A sore throat is common and a headache may occur. Some patients may get muscle aches and elderly patients may get confused. Most side effects can be easily treated with medication.

An anaesthetic is a major medical procedure. As with any medical procedure, there may be major complications including the risk of dying. Risks are greater in the elderly and very young but nobody is immune. Each type of anaesthesia has different risks and benefits and every patient reacts to and tolerates anaesthesia differently. The risk you face will depend on your health, the operation you are having and personal factors, such as whether you smoke or are overweight. Very rare complications include the possibility of a heart attack, stroke, major nerve damage, organ failure, damage to teeth, allergy or awareness during the procedure. It is very important that you follow all of your pre-admission instructions, especially when to stop drinking and eating (which includes not drinking water or chewing gum). Failure to do so could result in severe complications and lung damage.

Your anaesthetist will meet with you on the day of surgery to discuss your anaesthetic, complete the anaesthetic consent and answer any questions if needed. After sedation you may not be able to remember what has happened. Sometimes a combination of these anaesthetics are used to produce the best result for you. More detailed information on your anaesthetic can be found on www.youranaesthetic.info or provided on your request.